52. Mother's Betrayal

Carlo sat on the balcony of the mansion's third floor, staring blankly at the waves in the distance. The wind whipped the sea, sending the waves crashing against the rocks with a low, rumbling roar. The setting sun painted half the sky a brilliant red, casting a shimmering glow on the water like flames dancing on the surface. Beside him were Valentina's painting tools, her easel holding a canvas she had been working on.

Just a few minutes earlier, Valentina had set down her brushes, mentioning she’d learned a new recipe for a grape-based drink and wanted to make it for her son. She had gone to the kitchen, leaving Carlo alone. Taking advantage of her absence, he lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. His mother didn’t like the smell of smoke, so he rarely indulged in her presence. But at this moment, he needed the calming effect to settle his restless thoughts.

Life in the mansion over the past few days had followed a similar pattern. Carlo avoided his father whenever possible, not wan